The San Diego Chargers vs. The Dallas Cowboys in preseason action at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego Chargers Jason Verrett, Steve Williams and Lowell Rose walk the tunnel to the field as they prepare to begin the 2014 season.
— Sean M. Haffey / U-T San Diego

The San Diego Chargers vs. The Dallas Cowboys in preseason action at Qualcomm Stadium. Ryan Mathews goes up over the top at the goal line and fumbles in the first quarter.
— Sean M. Haffey / U-T San Diego

The San Diego Chargers vs. The Dallas Cowboys in preseason action at Qualcomm Stadium. Philip Rivers reacts to a play in the second quarter. Rivers played the first quarter then was on the sideline the rest of the game.
— Sean M. Haffey

What the information we gleaned will ultimately mean is yet to be processed.

But this team is good and deep, and confirmation of that is enough for a glorified practice in early August.

All you want at this point is enough for a progress report.

We wanted to see the receivers fighting for the final two spots, and we did. Dontrelle Inman continued to do make catches (one for 70 yards and a touchdown) and solidify his spot. Seyi Ajirotutu had one catch for 10 yards and remained on the No.1 kick coverage units. Tevin Reese caught a pass for 17 yards on a crossing route that showed what he could offer. Consider the battle for the final spot ongoing.

We had previously only seen undrafted rookie running back Branden Oliver making guys miss in practice, where there is no tackling. The Cowboys defense tackles at least some of the time, so Oliver's 64 yards on seven carries, including a 16-yard touchdown run, showed he’s a real threat to be the Chargers’ fourth running back. Oliver entered the game before sixth-round pick Marion Grice and looked faster and stronger.

We’d thought David Johnson -- listed as a tight end, most valuable playing fullback -- was an asset. While many people were recalling Darren Sproles as Oliver ran, others of us were more inclined to remember when a guy named Lorenzo Neal was opening holes for Chargers running backs. As good as Oliver was, he got the chance on his two longest runs because of Johnson’s blocks. (Wait until you see Johnson catch. You’ll be almost as impressed.)

We knew Kwame Geathers was ahead of fifth-round pick Ryan Carrethers, which was confirmed when Geathers started at nose tackle while Sean Lissemore played end in place of the injured Corey Liuget. Based on how he was used and how he played, undrafted rookie Tenny Palepoi might soon move ahead of Carrethers as well.

We’d thought Ryan Mathews was more elusive in the open field in practice. We saw him escape a tackle on his first carry. That shows progress, if not as much as his lost fumble at the goal line shows regress.